When senior Alex Balfour committed to play Division III soccer at the University of St. Thomas, she said she felt relieved after the long process of searching for a college.

“I was really excited that it was made official because I knew I wanted to go there for a long time, I just hadn’t talked to the coach and made it official with her, so that was really exciting,” Balfour said.

Balfour said she chose the University of St. Thomas for the soccer program, but also for the academics and social life.

“There were schools where I didn’t really know why I would want to go there if I didn’t play (soccer), and St. Thomas was different,” Balfour said. “I understood why people went there, I like the opportunities I think it will bring me in the future, so I’m happy to have that balance.”

Park girls’ soccer coach Benjy Kent said he thinks Balfour will fit in with the soccer program at St. Thomas.

“I’m excited for her. I think it’s terrific that she’s going to continue to play,” Kent said. “She’s a great player, and I think they’re very fortunate to be getting her.”

Kent said he believes Balfour has many strengths that allow her to be a successful soccer player.

“Alex excels in really all parts of the game. She’s very athletic, has very good speed, strength, agility, balance,” Kent said. “She has a good spirit, she’s a very hard worker and she’s always pushing herself. She’s never a problem. She’s not an angry player; she plays very positively.”

Balfour said the two biggest influences on her soccer career are her Minneapolis United club soccer coach, Greg Wheaton, and her dad.

“(Wheaton) has coached me since I was like 11 years old, and he’s the one who’s gotten me and all of my club teammates prepped for college skillswise and with mentality,” Balfour said. “I usually go on my college trips with (my dad) if I ever visited schools, and we talk about what we thought after. That was really helpful so I could see the pros and cons of every school.”

Balfour said she feels excited to play in a competitive environment at the college level.

“My goals would be to just become a stronger player, to be able to step up to the college level strength wise. I’m not super big, so I have to learn how to be stronger and stuff to be able to play with these older girls,” Balfour said.

According to Kent, Balfour’s assets both on and off the field will help her throughout her life.

“I think she’s set herself up really nicely as a terrific student and a terrific athlete to do a lot of different things in the world (and) make a difference in people’s lives,” Kent said.